Top Louisiana Rail Tours

Go for a sunset cruise aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen on this boat trip. Listen to an on-board jazz band and choose to add on a Creole-style dinner buffet as the boat sails along the Mississippi River. Take in the views from the promenade deck and sip New Orleans-inspired cocktails.

A trip to New Orleans isn't complete without experiencing Louisiana's local wildlife. This group boat ride takes you to the swamps and bayous, where you learn about alligators, snakes, turtles, local birds, and more—while looking out for them. Your guide knows the best areas for spotting wildlife, improving your chances of seeing various species up close. Also learn about local Cajun culture through your guide’s stories.

Enjoy an only-in-New-Orleans experience when you embark on a paddle-wheel boat tour of the mighty Mississippi River. In the evening, hop aboard the Steamboat Natchez or her sister vessel, the Riverboat City of New Orleans, and admire views of the city from the water's edge. This cost-saving package additionally includes a Creole‐inspired dinner (if option selected), plus live jazz music to set the mood.

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and natural splendor of New Orleans’ mystifying swamps and wetlands on a New Orleans swamp tour and wetlands adventure. Relax in the luxurious interior of a New Orleans swamp tour boat as you cruise past cultural highlights like a Cajun cemetery, an Indian burial mound and a traditional fishing village. Scour the scenery for fascinating flora and fauna like snakes, turtles and alligators while listening to interesting commentary from your professional guide.

Discover one of the South's most famous plantations, Oak Alley, and uncover its complex history on this group tour from New Orleans. Avoid the hassle of figuring out logistics with transport provided from a central meeting point. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the plantation to learn about its former inhabitants, both free and enslaved. Learn about "life in the Big House," discover interpretive exhibits, and learn about the lives and legacies of those who were once enslaved here.

Experience the iconic New Orleans swamplands during a small-group airboat tour, led by a professional guide. Alternate between adrenaline-fueled high speeds and gentle cruising as you sail past fascinating flora and fauna. Capture fantastic photographs of alligators in their natural habitat, and relish the intimate atmosphere of a small-group, limited to only nine passengers.

Discover a different side of New Orleans—and admire a new perspective from the water's edge—on this steamboat tour down the Mississippi River. Board the historic riverboat—either the Steamboat Natchez or her sister vessel—for a morning or afternoon tour. Stroll the deck, admire the iconic paddlewheel, enjoy live music, and snap photos of the picturesque shoreline. This family‐friendly excursion offers an optional lunch (additional expense).

Explore the rich culinary heritage of New Orleans' French Quarter on this half-day food tour. Sample traditional NOLA dishes such as gumbo, po-boys, jambalaya, and pralines while learning about the area's history. Your expert guide will lead you through local hotspots, offering cultural insights and tips on where to eat next. Upgrade to a small-group tour for a more intimate setting. Food offerings are subject to availability.

Experience the best of Cajun and Creole culture with a thrilling airboat ride through the cypress swamps. Visit the historic Laura Plantation and enjoy a gourmet buffet lunch at Houmas House Plantation. A guided tour of both plantations completes this immersive day, all in a small-group setting for a more personalized experience.

Visit the Whitney Plantation Museum—a former indigo and sugar plantation that is now dedicated to promoting an understanding of enslavement in Louisiana—on this hassle-free trip from New Orleans. Round-trip transit and admission tickets are included for your convenience. Upon arrival, learn about the brutal realities of plantation life through museum exhibits and an audio guide as you explore the site independently. You can also choose to upgrade your experience to include a 90-minute swamp tour.

Take a trip to either Oak Alley or Laura Plantation on this half-day tour from New Orleans that takes care of the logistics. In addition to a guided tour, you will have free time to explore the grounds on your own at your own pace. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for your convenience.